Plate-like Drain Inlet Reducing Sealing Contact Line
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional channel-like drains face issues with leakage due to a large volume and extensive sealing layer connection along the frame, making them prone to leaks and aesthetically unpleasing.
Innovation Solution
The design features an elongate or trilateral plate-like inlet member with a peripheral elevation for lateral fixation by the floor covering and a recess for flow communication with the outlet member, reducing the contact line between the sealing layer and the drain while using a clamping ring for fastening, thus simplifying installation and minimizing leakage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a channel-like inlet member with frame is used, then the drain structure is stable and functional, but the sealing layer connection runs along the whole frame entailing risk of leakage and occupying large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet member is segmented into a plate-like element without a continuous frame structure. The plate-like element is divided into a body portion and a peripheral elevation, creating discrete functional zones that reduce the sealing surface area while maintaining structural integrity and drainage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is extracted from the inlet member design. Instead of using a continuous frame that requires extensive sealing along its perimeter, the invention uses a plate-like element where the frame function is replaced by the peripheral elevation that engages with the floor covering, significantly reducing the sealing layer contact line.
2Strength
If a channel-like inlet member with frame is used, then the drain provides adequate structural support, but the extensive sealing layer connection along the frame makes it aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a frame structure that supports the sealing layer from the outside, the invention inverts the approach by using a plate-like element where the peripheral elevation engages with the floor covering to provide lateral fixation. This inversion eliminates the need for a visible frame while maintaining structural support through the plate's rigidity and engagement mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If a plate-like inlet member is used loosely on the sealing layer, then the fitting is simplified and leakage risk is reduced, but the inlet member requires lateral fixation by the floor covering
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral elevation is pre-formed as an integral part of the plate-like element during manufacturing. This preliminary action creates a built-in lateral fixation mechanism that engages with the floor covering, eliminating the need for separate fixation components or complex assembly steps while maintaining ease of installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drain comprises an inlet member (1), a grating (13) or cover plate laid loosely or detachably on top of the inlet member, and an outlet member (2). To achieve a short line of contact between the floor covering's sealing layer (6) and the drain and simultaneously fasten the sealing layer by means of a clamping ring (5) or a bonding flange for reducing the risk of leakage and affording the possibility of connecting an aesthetically more pleasing inlet member (1), and simplify the fitting of the inlet member, the inlet member (1) takes the form of an elongate or trilateral plate-like element (11) disposed loosely on top of the sealing layer or the sealing layer (6) and the clamping ring (5) and provided with a peripheral elevation (15) for lateral fixation of the inlet member by means of the floor covering as well as with a recess (12) for flow communication with the outlet member (2).